The Pacific Parrotlet

The Parrotlet has often been referred to as the "little parrot with the big parrot attitude". What a true statement that is! These little 4" bundles of energy weigh less than an ounce but they have tons of personality. And they'll quickly win over your heart!

Many males learn to talk and their squeaky little voices are a joy to listen to. Occasionally a female will learn a few words as well.

Diet: A good seed mix (I use Higgins Vita Cockatiel) but parrotlets need much more than seed to keep them healthy. Feed your bird fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, rice, pasta, birdie bread, millet sprays and treats. Pellets are not recommended for the mutations (those colors other than green). Do NOT give your bird grit. They don't need it and it can actually be harmful or fatal to them if it becomes impacted in the intestines. Do NOT feed your bird chocolate, avocado or caffeine. These are toxic to birds.

Housing: I recommend the largest cage that you can afford and have room for, but at the very minimum 18"x 18".�The cage bar spacing should not be larger than 1/2". They need lots of toys to keep them entertained and perches of varying sizes. Many of them enjoy slinkies and swings. Bells and wiffle balls are also a big hit with mine.

Danger! Danger!: Due to their small size, these birds must be closely supervised whenever out for play time! Way too often accidents occur, such as stepping or sitting on them. Don't take your eye off of them for a second!�Learn which plants are poisonous and keep your bird away from them.

A bird's respiratory system is very different than ours and it is very sensitive. A partial list of common household items that should not be used around your bird includes:

• Cookware treated with Teflon
• Bathroom cleaners
• Bleach
• Carpet cleaners & fresheners
• Cigarette smoke
• Scented candles
• Oven cleaner
• Anything with a strong odor

For some parrotlet-safe toys, visit www.birdtoynutz.com�Christena owns some of these little treasures, so she knows what toys they like and which are safe for them. The birds here are all crazy over her "Rattleshake II"

And, for the "parront" - LynnDa (www.littlegreenparrots.com) makes some beautiful custom embroidered t-shirts with your bird's picture and name (or whatever you'd like) on them. I have several and I LOVE them.

Check out the Parrotlet Palace at www.parrotsparrotsparrots.com! It's an awesome cage perfect for a parrotlet - a large cage at a very reasonable price. Laurie also has a selection of bird toys and food. She is a distributor for ProGrow, birdie bread you bake yourself - a nutritious and delicious food for your feathered companion.

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Want to learn more about the wonderful little parrotlet and in the process get to meet some wonderful friends? Join Parrotlet Express and / or Parrotlets Plus
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